Chapter :- 117

Arc 7 - Chapter 2: Whispers of the Council

The grand hall of the Council Tower loomed before them, an imposing structure of marble and obsidian that stretched toward the heavens. The air inside was thick with the weight of history, the walls adorned with ancient sigils and battle-worn banners that told the tales of past rulers and forgotten wars. Jae-min walked with measured steps, his presence commanding attention as the heavy doors groaned open to admit him.

Inside, twelve council members sat in a semi-circle, their expressions unreadable, their gazes sharp as blades. These were the ones who governed the balance of power in the world, the ones who dictated the course of fate from their high seats. Jae-min had faced monsters, warlords, and entities beyond human comprehension—but in many ways, these people were just as dangerous.

"Jae-min," the eldest member, Lord Daewon, greeted, his voice slow and deliberate. "You've done well to bring victory to the eastern front. The enemies have been pushed back, and for now, the land breathes a moment of peace."

Jae-min remained silent, knowing there was more. There was always more.

Another council member, Lady Hye-jin, leaned forward slightly, her emerald eyes piercing. "But peace is fragile. And we fear that a greater storm is coming."

Jae-min exchanged a glance with Seol-ah, who stood beside him, then looked back at the council. "You wouldn't have called me here for mere speculation. What do you know?"

A tense silence stretched before Lord Daewon finally spoke again. "There have been... disturbances. The mana flow across the continent is shifting unpredictably. Ancient relics, once dormant, have begun to react. Even the oracles are unable to read the future clearly."

Jae-min's fingers twitched slightly. This was bad.

"Is it connected to the war?" Seol-ah asked, her voice sharp with urgency.

"No," Lord Daewon admitted. "This is something else. Something older."

A deep hum resonated through the chamber as a crystal orb in the center of the room began to glow. The air crackled with energy, and suddenly, an image formed within the crystal—a land shrouded in darkness, mountains crumbling, cities swallowed by the abyss.

Jae-min's jaw clenched. "Where is that?"

The council members exchanged uneasy glances before Lady Hye-jin finally answered.

"The Forbidden Ruins."

A place sealed away for centuries, untouched by mortal hands. A place where only the foolish or the desperate dared to tread.

Jae-min exhaled slowly. "And you want me to go there."

"You are the only one who can," Lord Daewon said solemnly. "Whatever is awakening... it must be confronted before it consumes everything."

Seol-ah stepped forward. "Then we'll leave immediately."

Jae-min nodded, his mind already shifting to the battles ahead. He had thought the war was over, but now he realized—this was only the prelude.

Something far worse was waiting. And it was calling for him.